For context, being an undocumented immigrant is generally a civil violation of immigration law, not a criminal offense like trespassing or petty theft. Most undocumented immigrants are not criminals simply because of their status. The main legal consequence is the possibility of removal (deportation), not a prison sentence. Conflating undocumented presence with criminality is inaccurate and misleading.

So although undocumented immigrants are here, it doesn't mean they are here illegally in the sense of committing a crime; being undocumented is generally a civil violation of immigration law, not a criminal offense. Many entered legally and later lost status, and their presence does not make them criminals' under U.S. law.